Helpful Tips & Tricks When Pumping Breast Milk is Difficult

As a new mom, I had this dreamy vision of how breast feeding my baby would look. For many, it’s a beautiful bonding experience full of snuggles and sweet baby smells. You know, just like they show in the movies and prenatal classes! For me however, it was a nightmare. Despite help from lactation consultants, breast feeding was never successful, and I switched to pumping breast milk.

But pumping also brought emotional breakdowns and physical pain. The first few months of baby Q’s life were anything but blissful. I really wish prenatal classes and hospitals would have offered more information on how to troubleshoot breastfeeding and/or pumping issues. I honestly can’t recall more than a “Reach out to a lactation consultant if you have problems.”

If you find yourself in the same position, wanting deeply to provide breast milk, but finding the process exhausting, I’m so sorry! Over the first few months of motherhood, I learned a lot while working through my own issues. So I sit here with pink cheeks to share some tips. Some day I’ll be more comfortable talking about personal things, lol!

The following is a list of things to consider and look into if you’re having trouble pumping breast milk. A few of them could even be assessed before baby comes and hopefully negate any steep learning curves.

*This blog post contains various health information. Nothing is intended to be, nor should it be construed as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any supplement(s) discussed and/or listed should be reviewed by your health professional before using. If you have a medical concern, please consult with an appropriately-licensed physician. If you think you have a medical emergency, contact your doctor immediately. Full medical disclosure here.

Invest Money in a Quality Breast Pump

My initial plan was to go back to work part-time (some from home) and figured a pump wouldn’t be used very often. I also assumed breast feeding was going to be a walk in the park. Therefore, I initially purchased a breast pump that was less expensive, new to the market, and worked with our baby bottles.

From the get go, I had problems with not enough suction, finding the pump itself difficult to use, awkward positioning, spills, etc. Clogged ducts led to engorgement, painful breasts, massaging, and tears with every single pumping session.

It was disheartening to say the least. Not only could I not physically breastfeed, but pumping breast milk turned out to be just as physically and emotionally draining. Had I known what I know now, I would have spent more time researching pumps and asking questions.

My Recommendation

When Q was around 10 weeks old, I learned most hospitals use and recommend Medela breast pumps. After calling and speaking with their helpful customer service, we also discovered most health insurance companies reimburse a breast pump every couple years.

We quickly got a Medela Pump In Style with Max Flow double electric breast pump. I was able to express more milk, which alleviated some engorging issues AND I was able to eventually build up a small supply.

In addition, Medela offers several accessories, replacement parts are readily available, and all can be found at most retail and online stores. Looking back, I wish I would have started with this pump from the beginning.

Try Different Size Breast Shields

Although the pump itself was an improvement, pumping was still dreadful, mainly because broken skin never really got a chance to heal. I didn’t even realize different sized breast shields existed until I got the Medela pump.

Pumping sessions improved a little using the larger size shields provided with the Pump in Style (comes with 21 and 24mm). Then we discovered the PersonalFitFlex Breast Shields came in 4 different sizes. Not knowing what would be best, we ordered the other two sizes (27 and 30mm).

Thankfully, pumping drastically improved! A different size for each side proved the best fit. As I was able to pump more comfortably, the length of pump time increased. This meant clogged ducts came farther in-between, and there was no need to massage the breast while pumping to help expel the milk. Yay! Broken skin also finally started to heal. Such a “little” adjustment turned into a big blessing!

Purchase Enough Supplies

Having a new baby in the house means each day is going to pass by in five minutes. Seriously! There were so many things I planned on getting done. But baby Q’s colicky behavior (and life in general) didn’t allow for it. Factor in the need to set aside a couple hours each day to pump, and it was bed time in a blink.

I went a couple weeks with just two sets of breast shields and connectors, figuring I would have time to wash them in-between. It wasn’t long; however, before I ended up purchasing enough accessories to get through 4 pumping sessions (one days worth, once Q was roughly 4 months old). It was not worth the stress to make sure I had clean supplies amidst everything else going on.

Supplies on Hand

The following is a list of things I had to get me through nine months of exclusive pumping. Keep in mind the Medela pump itself comes with one set.

• Pump In Style with Max Flow double electric breast pump (1)
• PersonalFitFlex Breast Shields (5 sets)
• PersonalFitFlex Connectors (5 sets)
• Breast Milk Storage Bottles (8-10 bottles; 5 oz. – look at garage sales!)

A couple times, suction randomly didn’t seem as strong. We reached out to Medela and they suggested replacing some things. After doing so, everything went back to normal. We also learned any moisture in the tubing can be dried out by running the pump, with tubes connected to the pump end but connected to nothing on the bottle end.

• Connector Membranes (replaced 2x)
• Tubing (replaced 1x)

Create a Relaxing Pumping Area

Ok mommas – part of this is perspective and part of this is actually needing a comfortable, secure place so your body can relax and release milk. So, as much as you’re able to, make the space you’ll be spending a fair amount of time in relaxing.

Pumping at Home

I highly recommend a rocking chair with ottoman/foot rest. Once I got into a groove and pumping wasn’t painful, I can’t tell you how many times I’d fall asleep in the rocking chair! Side note: Completely emptying both sides and continuing to pump triggers the body to produce more milk. I think this is how I built up supply over time!

It’s also nice to have a small table close by to set things like the pump, milk bottles, kleenex, phone, and books on. A floor lamp was also great. I left the bag with all the additional accessories in it on the floor next to the chair. Other miscellaneous items in the bag would be organic nipple cream and reusable nursing pads.

If new furniture isn’t in the budget, look at your local thrift stores. Aside from the rocking chair we registered for, everything else was moved around from other areas of the house. When your tired and worried about feeding your baby, think function over fancy!

Pumping on the Go

For those pumping at work, in the car, or while traveling; you rock! I learned to get comfortable pumping breast milk while sitting on the floor as we traveled each weekend to finish our house. I often downloaded books on Kindle to read while waiting. You could also use earbuds to listen to music and/or a podcast.

There is also a bevy of women’s nursing clothing available these days! Invest in some comfortable pieces to make pumping less obtrusive and save time if you’re crunching in a pump session on break or lunch.

Say “Yes!” to Help

You may be wondering why I keep saying “we” throughout this post. It’s because pumping, whether supplemental or exclusive, is a lot of dang work. My husband was a huge support. He was able to advocate for me, make phone calls, and do online research when I didn’t have the mental capacity.

As Q grew older, it became easier to space pumping sessions farther apart, but it was still a lot to juggle. My in-laws stepped in to help numerous times. I still remember turning bright red when I saw my father-in-law washing breast pump parts. If I survived the embarrassment (which there isn’t really a reason to be), you can too!

So when someone asks if you need help, the answer is YES! It takes a village! Let them do the dishes, wash and fold the laundry, watch the baby while you grab a nap and/or pump, shop for groceries, drop off a meal, etc. Let the house be messy! And yes, it’s perfectly fine to go a couple days without showering. Ask me how I know.

Don’t Forget Nutritional Support

Let’s not forget how much stress a woman’s body goes through growing a baby. Coupled with diving right into feeding said baby, our bodies are calling for nutritional support! Keeping hydrated is essential. Anytime I wasn’t drinking enough water my milk supply was directly effected. Eating healthy, balanced meals is also essential. And as much as I hate to say it (just because it’s hard to come by with littles), sleep is also a requirement for the body to heal and produce milk.

Aside from those, there are a few whole food supplements I took to help my body recover, increase milk production, and support the body parts being used non-stop. P.S. Foods in the mint and sage families will reduce milk production.

• Standard Process Cod Liver Oil (overall healing, healthy fats)
• Standard Process Mammary PMG (mammary gland/breast support)
• Standard Process Fen-Gre (mammary gland support/increase milk production)
• Standard Process Wheat Germ Oil (good for healing skin)
• Standard Process Dermatrophin PMG (skin & tissue support)

Providing your baby with healthy breast milk, for any amount of time, is wonderful. I pumped for 9 months with Q, 2 months with H (pumping with a two-year-old and newborn proved extremely challenging), and 7 months with R. It’s ok to adjust and change as needed.

Remember to give yourself grace! There’s no sense in berating yourself or feeling like “less than” because pumping breast milk is difficult. The days may seem endless while you’re in the thick of things, but take it from a mom who’s raised three babies, this too shall pass in the blink of an eye. Praying your journey smooths out quickly!